COLUMBUS, Ga. — In what may be a first for Georgia, Columbus State University is partnering with the Muscogee County School District on a National Security Agency (NSA) grant to develop and implement a course in cybersecurity education specifically designed for middle school students.

The $50,000 NSA grant allows CSU’s TSYS School of Computer Science and its developing TSYS Center for Cybersecurity to work with Rothschild Middle School Leadership Academy to develop and implement a course in cybersecurity education specifically designed for 7th and 8th grade middle school students.

“We do not think that a cybersecurity curriculum of this magnitude has been attempted at the middle school level in Georgia,” said Tom Hackett, chair of CSU’s Department of Counseling, Foundations, and Leadership and executive director P-12/University Partnerships. “This STEM project is expected to raise interest in cybersecurity and will encourage students to continue learning about cybersecurity, a field very much in-demand by today’s workforce.”

The course will be structured on the National Security Agency (NSA) Cybersecurity First Principles but will be broken down into age-specific topics understandable by 7th- and 8th-grade students, Hackett said. The NSA Cybersecurity First principles include: domain separation, process isolation, resource encapsulation, least privilege, modularity, layering, abstraction, data hiding, simplicity and minimization.

He said the course will facilitate a learner-centered classroom with numerous hands-on exercises that provide opportunities for middle school students to apply their newly gained knowledge of cybersecurity education.

This program is just one example of what will be many developing partnerships between the Muscogee County School District (MCSD) and Columbus State University. Hackett, CSU President Chris Markwood and MCSD Superintendent David Lewis are working on more ways to develop programs and education goals to benefit P-12 students, university students and the local businesses that will be hiring these graduates.

“We are proud of this unique partnership with CSU and excited for the opportunities it will afford our students as they begin exploration in this high-demand field,” said David F. Lewis, superintendent of the Muscogee County School District.

About 140 7th and 8th grade students at Rothschild Middle School will have the appropriate prerequisite to take the year-long elective course on cybersecurity education during the 2017-2018 school year.

“Whether you are 6 or 60 years old, cybersecurity is important to us all,” said Wayne Summers, professor and Distinguished Chairperson of CSU’s TSYS School of Computer Science. “By teaching the elements of cybersecurity in middle school, we will encourage safe computing practice as well as expand the pool of candidates for future cybersecurity professionals. Based on a comprehensive study supported by the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education, there are nearly 13,000 cybersecurity job openings in Georgia and nearly 350,000 openings nationally.”

The TSYS School of Computer Science, its TSYS Center for Cybersecurity and Muscogee County School District will ensure the cybersecurity education course will provide age-appropriate and performance based cybersecurity education in a safe environment for middle school students and will meet Georgia curriculum standards.

Hackett said the course curriculum will be available for download on the projects’ website and the course can be replicated in other middle schools across the nation.

The Rothschild teacher developing this fall’s course – to be called Business Principles & Computer Science – is enrolled at CSU this summer in the Information Security course in the TSYS School of Computer Science, which is designated by NSA as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. Additionally, CSU is part of a consortium of seven University System of Georgia (USG) institutions to develop the USG’s capabilities in IT and cyber security as well as significantly increase the number of IT and cyber security industry qualified graduates coming from USG institutions.

Kat Cannella, assistant director of leadership/facilitation for Columbus State University, was recently selected to join the 2017 class of Young Gamechangers, sponsored by Georgia Forward, a non-partisan, non-profit organization working to strengthen communities and create a talent pipeline within Georgia.

Young Gamechangers is a leadership action program that brings together 50 of Georgia’s brightest minds under the age of 40 to help solve persistent challenges of one Georgia community. For more information, visit www.georgiaforward.org/young-gamechangers.

ATLANTA, Ga. — Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and Arthur Levine, president of the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, honored Georgia’s ongoing commitment to close the achievement gap and provide all students with high-quality teachers on Thursday, June 29, recognizing the third class of Woodrow Wilson Georgia Teaching Fellows, 12 of which are coming to Columbus State University.

A total of 63 aspiring educators were picked this year, adding to the 159 teachers who have been prepared through the WW Georgia Teaching Fellowship program to lead STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) classes in the state’s high-need secondary schools. The program is hosted at Columbus State University, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Mercer University, and Piedmont College during the 2017–18 academic year. The highly competitive Fellowship recruits both recent graduates and career changers with strong backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and math.

“Sandra and I are honored to welcome this third class of Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellows into the program,” Gov. Nathan Deal said during the announcement at the Capitol. “Georgia has earned many accolades over the past several years, and none of them would be possible or sustainable without our leaders in the classroom. This program creates a pipeline of dedicated math and science teachers to the schools that need them the most, and we wish the best of luck to this year’s class.”

The Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship focuses on preparing top-quality educators for many of Georgia’s most underserved public schools. Each Fellow receives $30,000 to complete a specially designed, cutting-edge master’s degree program based on a yearlong classroom experience. In return, Fellows commit to teach for three years in the urban and rural Georgia schools that most need strong STEM teachers. Throughout the three-year commitment, Fellows receive ongoing support and mentoring.

“As Georgia re-emphasizes its commitment to turning around the state’s low-performing schools, it is essential that every Georgia child has access to excellent educators, particularly in subjects like science and math,” Levine said. “With the WW Georgia Teaching Fellowship program, Georgia colleges are ensuring Georgia classrooms have a pipeline of needed teachers both committed to teaching in high-need schools and with the skills and abilities to boost student learning. Teachers like our Georgia Teaching Fellows are key to future success.”

Through the Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship program, the Woodrow Wilson Foundation will contribute to the University System of Georgia’s initiative to produce 20,000 new teachers by 2020. Woodrow Wilson is administering the program, with in-state coordination by the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education (GPEE) and support from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation. Current project funding is $13.7 million.

The university partners, selected in a statewide review by the Woodrow Wilson Foundation, have spent years tailoring their teacher preparation programs to meet the Fellowship’s standards for intensive clinical work and rigorous related coursework. All five participating universities received $400,000 matching grants to develop their teacher preparation programs based on standards set by the Woodrow Wilson Foundation. For each of the program’s past three years, the participating Georgia colleges and universities have each enrolled approximately 12 Fellows annually, totaling 180 Fellows over the three-year period.

“This program has helped us become nationally recognized for our STEM teacher preparation efforts,” said Chris Markwood, president of Columbus State University. “I’m excited to welcome our 12 future teachers to Columbus State University, and I am confident they will add to our legacy of training top-notch teachers and meeting our community’s needs.”

“One of the most important elements to increasing student achievement is the effectiveness of the teacher,” GPEE President Steve Dolinger said. “The Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship has an exceptional record of helping improve teacher training, especially for STEM teachers, which ultimately benefits students. We continue to be proud to help coordinate these efforts.”

The Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship is also offered in Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, and Ohio. The Georgia program brings the Woodrow Wilson Foundation’s total commitment to the Fellowship to more than $90 million nationally. More information on the national program can be found at woodrow.org/fellowships/ww-teaching-fellowships.

###

About the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation
Founded in 1945, the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation (www.woodrow.org) identifies and develops the nation’s best minds to meet its most critical challenges. The Foundation supports its Fellows as the next generation of leaders shaping American society.

COLUMBUS, Ga. — Columbus State University’s Pasaquan, St. EOM’s “pre-Columbian psychedelic wonderland” and internationally recognized art environment, is the cover story of the latest issue of Georgia Trend, the magazine of Georgia business, politics and economic development.

Amanda Murdock, a modern and classical languages, Spanish major at Columbus State University, was awarded a competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad in Seville, Spain during the CSU in Southern Spain Spanish Immersion program. Out of 3,900 applicants, Murdock was one of about 1,000 selected for this highly competitive scholarship. Murdock recently returned from her five-week program, during which she resided with a host family, participated in cultural learning experiences and took classes to improve her mastery of the Spanish language.

The Gilman Scholarship Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is an undergraduate program for U.S. citizens of limited financial means to enable them to study abroad, thereby internationalizing their outlook and better preparing them to thrive in the global economy.

The Faculty Writing Fellowship is a program derived from CSU’s first Quality Enhancement Plan, “Writing the Solution.” Faculty Writing Fellowships are sponsored by CSU’s Academic Center for Tutoring to assist faculty with their efforts to use writing curricula as a means of improving student engagement and learning in their courses. For more information about the fellowship, visit aa.columbusstate.edu.

COLUMBUS, Ga. — Columbus State University’s Nakia Guy is one of 20 student entrepreneurs selected from across the country to compete in the prestigious Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Student Entrepreneur Program (SEP) in Las Vegas this week. Nakia is a junior majoring in business management and minoring in chemistry at CSU.

The SEP program fosters growth for the next generation of women-owned businesses through a tailored entrepreneurial curriculum and mentoring from certified women-owned businesses and Fortune 500 Corporate Members, including Bristol-Meyers Squibb Company, Dell Technologies, Ericsson North America, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Merck, Macy’s, Pfizer, Office Depot, U.S. Postal Service, and Walmart.

“Being selected for this program, being flown out to Las Vegas, and participating in the Pitch Competition is an extraordinary accomplishment,” said Guy. “This event is in line with my core principles, which are to use as many resources that are given to you as you can, move according to what your short and long term goals are, and to plan for your future.”

Guy, a Certified Financial Coach, created a business concept named Financially Free By 23. The focus of the company is to address the issue of financial illiteracy with young adults to empower them to become financially independent.

As part of the program, students will compete in a pitch competition with a total of $10,000 in seed capital being awarded to the top three students.

This year’s cohort includes students from 17 universities majoring in biomedical, engineering, computer science, business and the arts. All student participants are passionate about their future and have incredible entrepreneurial spirits. Whether they are still in the early stages of launching their startup or looking to advance their business, SEP will give this year’s cohorts the tools and resources to become proactive women entrepreneurs.

COLUMBUS, Ga. — Columbus State University recently offered children who are blind or visually impaired a chance to participate in all of the activities that make up a traditional summer camp.

“Camp Abilities provides campers with the opportunity to build skills while increasing self esteem and independence,” said Dr. Jeanine Fittipaldi-Wert, associate professor of health, physical education and exercise science, who oversees the camp. “We’re able to show the campers and the community everything a blind or visually impaired individual can do, which is everything!”

Camp Abilities Columbus is a non-profit organization and residential camp for children, ages 8 to 18, who are blind or visually impaired. Campers stay on CSU’s campus to engage in an array of sports and recreational activities in a safe and developmentally appropriate environment. Some of these activities include:

Activities are supervised by volunteer student counselors from CSU’s Health and Physical Education, Health Science and Exercise Science programs and Florida State University’s Vision Program. All activities are taught by a specialist in education for children who are blind or visually impaired.

Campers have attended Camp Abilities over Memorial Day weekend every year for the past six years thanks in part to the generous support of local businesses and organizations, including Ride on Bikes, Country’s Barbeque, Zaxby’s, Georgia Eye Care, the Georgia Society of Ophthalmology, and Run Across Georgia.

Sallie Averitt Miller, professor and associate dean for assessment and accreditation in Columbus State University’s College of Education and Health Professions, was recently inaugurated as president of the Georgia Assessment Directors’ Association (GADA) during the organization’s spring 2017 conference.

The mission of GADA for Educator Preparation Programs is to provide a collaborative forum for assessment ideas and practices that are most effective in the state of Georgia’s educator preparation programs.

Paul Wang, professor of computer science in the TSYS School of Computer Science in Columbus State University’s Turner College of Business, delivered the keynote address during InfoSys 2017, a scientific and industrial interchange hosted by the International Academy, Research and Industry Association (IARIA). The conference was held in Barcelona in late May.

Wang’s speech focused on “Internet of Things Architecture and Security.” He also chaired a conference session and presented a paper titled “InVideo: An Automatic Video Index and Search Engine for Large Video Collections.”

As Chapter Advisor for Columbus State University’s chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), Young is responsible for helping prepare students for post-college career success and inspiring members to make positive impacts in their communities.

“Shana’s desire to hold members to a high standard of leadership helped solidify the Columbus State University chapter as an example to others across the country,” wrote Charles Knippen, president of NSLS, in a letter to Ed Helton, assistant vice president for leadership development at CSU. “Shana has effectively motivated our members on your campus to attain their individual goals, demonstrate leadership and continually strive for success.”

COLUMBUS, Ga. – Columbus State University recently held its sixth annual Business Plan Competition, hosted by the Turner College of Business.

Fifty-one plans were submitted to this year’s competition. Six finalists were selected to share more details of their business plans with a panel of judges, and three finalists were selected and awarded first, second and third place and cash prizes of $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000, respectively.

First place went to Ta Ta Toga, written by Michaela Waldeck, who graduated from CSU in May. The Ta Ta Toga is a multi-faceted, patent-pending product that makes breastfeeding less messy by absorbing milk, preventing leaks and protecting clothing. It also can serve as a burp cloth and privacy blanket. Waldeck tested the product with moms and made several prototypes before settling on the present design. Michaela expects to transition from the present craft production process to mass production within the next 6-12 months.

The second place winner was SlumberPod™, developed by Lou Childs and Katy Beck, a mother-daughter team. The SlumberPod™ is a pop-up tent that completely encloses a portable crib, creating the perfect atmosphere for babies and toddlers to get a good night’s sleep. The product has gone through several stages of testing and improvements, and Childs and Beck have already secured investors for future production.

Third place went to Conquest Obstacle Gym, presented by Marc Baker. Conquest Obstacle Gym is the only facility available to practice completing actual obstacles similar to those found at race venues. Baker, who completed Airborne and Ranger training and served in combat as an Army Ranger, recently graduated from CSU. He is in the final stage of closing a $100,000 Small Business Administration loan and plans to open his gym this summer in Chattanooga, Tenn.

CSU’s Turner College of Business will host the 2018 Business Plan Competition next spring. The contest is open to all CSU students and community members. For more information, visit business.columbusstate.edu/businessplan.

COLUMBUS, Ga. — Columbus State University is hosting a week-long cybersecurity summer camp sponsored by the National Security Administration (NSA) for middle school students this month. The camp will run from Monday, June 19 – Saturday, June 24.

Computer Science professors Jianhua Yang and Sumanth Yenduri of the TSYS School of Computer Science in CSU’s Turner College of Business were awarded a $28,000 NSA grant in February to host Camp GenCyber, which aims to broaden students’ understanding of and interest in cybersecurity and safe online behavior. Together with professor Hillary Fleenor, the team of computer science professors will use programming based on cyber games to inspire the next generation of cyber stars.

The camp will be held on CSU’s main campus in the Center for Commerce and Technology Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eligible campers must have been enrolled in sixth, seventh or eighth grade during the 2016-2017 academic school year.

Registration, which is free, includes transportation from Richards and Rothschild Middle Schools, breakfast and lunch. Spots are still available. For more information, visit cs.columbusstate.edu.

COLUMBUS, Ga. — Columbus-area runners will pound the pavement at Columbus State University this Saturday for a cause that hits especially close to home.

CSU’s Sigma Nu fraternity has organized a 5-K event benefitting the Fort Benning Wounded Warrior Association, a not-for-profit that assists local injured service members. Of course, the brothers of Sigma Nu added their own spin to the race; rather, they’ve added lights, lots and lots of lights.

Glow-in-the-dark lights will illuminate the 3.1-mile race course that snakes through CSU’s main campus. To add to the atmosphere, runners are encouraged to wear bright, neon clothing and any accessories that glow. Glow sticks will be provided to registered runners, as will an event t-shirt, race bib and number, and a bottle of water. Registration is $20 per person.

“We really wanted to do something fun for Wounded Warrior,” said William Duffield, philanthropy and community outreach chairman for Sigma Nu. “Columbus is a military town, and many of our members come from military families, so Glow-K is our way of taking care of our soldiers.”

Glow-K has raised more than $30,000 over the past three years for the Wounded Warrior Association.

The race begins at 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, but runners should plan to arrive 30 minutes early to sign in. A live DJ playing rave music will be awaiting them at the finish line.